Yellowstone River
Montana · South-Central Montana
Cutthroat TroutBrown TroutRainbow Trout
Top 5 Fishing Locations on Yellowstone River
Yellowstone National Park
The Yellowstone River within Yellowstone National Park is the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48 states and holds exceptional wild cutthroat trout. The famous Yellowstone cutthroat averaging 14-18 inches are protected by park regulations. Fishing within the park requires a separate Yellowstone fishing permit.
💧 Ideal flow: 2,000–5,000 CFS. The Paradise Valley section near Livingston fishes best after runoff subsides in late July — salmonfly hatch peaks at rising flows.
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Yankee Jim Canyon
Yankee Jim Canyon below Gardiner Montana is one of the Yellowstone's most productive and scenic sections for wild cutthroat and rainbow trout. The canyon's powerful currents concentrate feeding fish in predictable locations. Fall brings trophy brown trout into this section from downstream.
💧 Ideal flow: 1,500–4,000 CFS. The Springdale section fishes well at moderate flows — large cutthroat and browns hold in deep runs.
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Livingston
The Yellowstone near Livingston is the classic Montana trout town fishing experience with excellent wild trout and an authentic western atmosphere. Large brown and rainbow trout average 16-20 inches through this productive valley section. The Livingston area guides are among Montana's most experienced.
💧 Ideal flow: 2,000–5,000 CFS. The lower Yellowstone near Billings fishes best at moderate fall flows when big browns move into spawning mode.
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Big Timber
Below Big Timber the Yellowstone begins its transition from mountain to plains river while still maintaining excellent wild trout. Brown trout dominate in this section with fish using deeper pools and undercut banks. Float fishing is the most effective approach to cover this wider river.
💧 Ideal flow: 1,500–4,000 CFS. Fishes best at stable moderate flows — the Yellowstone can run high and turbid through July in big snow years.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
Paradise Valley
Paradise Valley between Livingston and Gardiner is arguably Montana's most beautiful fishing setting with the Absaroka Range rising dramatically above the river. Wild cutthroat rainbow and brown trout all inhabit this section. Spring creek tributaries entering the valley create unique and highly productive fishing.
💧 Ideal flow: 1,000–3,000 CFS. The upper Yellowstone near the park boundary fishes best at lower late-summer flows for native cutthroat.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
About Yellowstone River Fishing
The Yellowstone River is America's longest free-flowing river outside Alaska, originating in Yellowstone National Park and serving as the stronghold for the largest inland population of native Yellowstone cutthroat trout. The Paradise Valley section near Livingston has earned world-class status among fly anglers for its combination of pristine habitat, abundant hatches, and consistent access to wild trout.
Best Time to Fish Yellowstone River
The Yellowstone River's most explosive fishing occurs in June when massive salmonfly and caddis hatches blanket the water, creating predictable dry-fly opportunities that can last several weeks. Summer continues strong through July and August as smaller mayfly and caddis patterns remain productive, while fall sees selective cutthroat responding to terrestrials and autumn caddis emergences.
Species
Yellowstone cutthroat trout dominate the upper river and are aggressive feeders during hatch windows, rising readily to dry flies and exhibiting the aggressive takes the species is known for. Brown trout and rainbow trout inhabit the lower and middle sections, with browns showing the wariness and selective feeding typical of pressured populations, while rainbows provide explosive dry-fly strikes during peak hatch periods.
Access & Regulations
Always check the current Montana fishing regulations before heading out. Regulations on Yellowstone River may include special catch-and-release sections, artificial-only stretches, and seasonal closures. A valid Montana fishing license is required.
Live River Data
Streamflow data is pulled in real time from the USGS National Water Information System. Gauge readings — including CFS and gauge height — refresh every 15–60 minutes, giving you an accurate conditions check before you load up the truck.